“I woke up this morning and saw a story that we’d bid £8million [for Steven Fletcher],” he told talkSPORT. “I just thought, ‘where on earth have they got that from’? I haven’t got a clue where it’s come from.”

But Bruce went on to say Hull are interested in improving their strike options though.

“It’s no secret we want to improve up front,” he added. “We’ve got a couple of irons in the fire and, if they come off, then it would be fantastic. It would give the squad a lift by adding a striker.

“I’ve said for years that you’re only as good as your strikers. That’s the hardest part of any side to fill. Anyone we bring in has to improve our team though.”